The amendments to Taiwan’s immigration laws and regulations set to take effect Jan. 1, 2024, are intended to create a friendlier environment for foreigners in Taiwan. (MOFA)
 

Amendments to Taiwan’s Immigration Act and related regulations will take effect in stages starting Jan. 1, 2024, as the government continues efforts to promote human rights and ensure safety for all members of society, according to the Ministry of the Interior.

Involving 63 clauses of the act, the revisions include relaxed rules regarding stays and residency, better protection of married immigrants’ rights to family reunification and more severe penalties for immigration violations, the ministry said, as well as 15 sub-laws related to the Regulations Governing Visiting, Residency and Permanent Residency of Aliens.

Under the amendments, immigrants who divorce a Taiwan spouse due to domestic violence will be allowed to continue residing in the country whether or not they have underage children, while those whose Taiwan spouses have died can apply for residence if they have underage children who possess ROC (Taiwan) nationality.

The amendments also ease regulations on the period of stay and residency for Taiwan nationals without household registration and foreigners in the country. Foreign professionals with special achievements or contributions to society will soon also be able to apply for permanent residency for their spouses, as well as their dependent children.

Other revisions include an extension of stay for one year for foreign students after graduation with provisions for one additional extension; furthermore, lawyers will be permitted to accompany applicants during immigration interviews.

Those who violate immigration laws will face more severe punishments, the MOI said. These include an entry ban of up to seven years plus a fine on overstay of between NT$10,000 (US$321) and NT$50,000, up from the current amount of between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000. Those who arrange for foreigners in Taiwan to engage in activities different from the stated purpose of their visit will receive fines between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million. (SFC-E)